In any given occupation, there are movies that are favorites among those who practice their profession. Hairstylists are no exception, of course. Although Hollywood has had much greater success making films which center around lawyers, soldiers, cops and rock stars, there are a handful of great films in which hairstyling plays a pivotal role. If you are a part of the beauty industry, then you have undoubtedly seen most of these films. However, even if you just have a fascination with hair, these five films are definitely worth watching.

Blow Dry (2001)Mirage Entertainment/Intermedia Films

Blow Dry (2001)

This film, starring Josh Hartnett and Alan Rickman, is a comedy set in a small town in England which has been chosen to host the British Hairdressing Championships. In real life, the Brits take their hairstyling competitions very seriously, but even though most of the film pokes fun at the flamboyance of these competitors, "Blow Dry" also has a subplot which produces its share of tear-jerking moments, thanks to the acting skills of the late Natasha Richardson.

Shampoo (1975)Columbia Pictures/Rubeeker Films

Shampoo (1975)

In this Oscar-winning film, Warren Beatty plays a Beverly Hills stylist with an uncontrollable libido who spends as much time in bed with his clients as he does in the salon. Even though his escapades eventually land him in hot water, this film reminds me why I became a stylist in the first place.

Steel Magnolias (1989)TriStar Pictures

Steel Magnolias (1989)

A small-town beauty parlor in Louisiana is the center of this heart-warming drama featuring Julia Roberts, Olympia Dukakis and Dolly Parton. "Steel Magnolias" captures the friendship, gossip, drama, laughter, and heartbreak which can be found in almost any local beauty parlor in America, making it one of the best-loved films among real-life beauticians.

Edward Scissorhands (1989)20th Century Fox

Edward Scissorhands (1989)

This Tim Burton classic is the story of a young artificial man named Edward (played by Johnny Depp), who is the creation of a Dr. Frankenstein-like inventor who dies before he can complete his work, thus leaving Edward with scissors for hands. Edward lives alone in a mansion until he is befriended by a door-to-door Avon saleswoman who brings him home to live with her family. Edward soon falls in love with the Avon lady's daughter (Winona Ryder). Everyone is impressed with Edward's haircutting ability at first, until he is framed for a robbery he did not commit. At its core, "Edward Scissorhands" is a modern-day fairy tale, as well as a love story that is ridiculous, yet moving.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)Killer Films/New Line Cinema

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

Although this rock musical is the only movie on the list in which a character is not a hairstylist, it is nonetheless a very hair-centric film. It is the story of a transsexual punk rocker named Hedwig from East Berlin who stalks the ex-lover who stole her songs while rising to worldwide stardom. While Hedwig (played by John Cameron Mitchell) is an unforgettable character, the wig she wears is equally unforgettable and has become an integral part of this modern era cult classic. "Wig In A Box", a song from the film, is a wonderful addition to every hairstylist's playlist

Share this article

Marlin Bressi is an award-winning stylist with over 15 years of professional salon experience. A two-time NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards) nominee, he presently holds the position of Master Stylist at Chez LeDuc Salon & Spa in Danville, Pennsylvania and is the author of "Blow Me: Hairy Adventures in the Salon Industry" (UrbanEdge, 2014)